(ANNAPOLIS, Md. – May 10, 2012) On Friday, May 11, judges from throughout Maryland will assemble for the statewide meeting of the Maryland Judicial Conference. A range of civil and criminal issues will be explored during the program, and there will be an update on Maryland Electronic Courts, a project that will create a single Judiciary-wide integrated electronic case management system to be used by all the courts in the state court system.

“The Judicial Conference provides ongoing education for our judges, which we believe is very important to the courts’ mission,” said Chief Judge Robert M. Bell of the Maryland Court of Appeals. “This conference is usually held over three days with more topics and a more in-depth examination of issues, but unfortunately the economy has forced us for the third year in a row to downscale this vital educational event,” Judge Bell said. “We will hold the conference as a one-day session at our own facility, which just happens to be able to accommodate all of us.”

The Maryland Judicial Conference
Some sessions are not open to the media or the public.
Sessions that are open to the media and public include the following and require registration and event identification badges for admission:
--Opening remarks and business meeting, 8:30-9:45 a.m., including presentation of the Maryland Access to Justice Awards and an update on the Maryland Electronic Courts project
--Lunch program (Sheraton), noon-2 p.m.: “A Conversation with Thomas Goldstein, editor of the SCOTUS Blog”
--Afternoon program: “Divorce in the Land of Oz: A Marital Property Practicum,” 2-4 p.m.
--Afternoon program: “Civil Debt Collection Matters,” 2-2:50 or 3:10-4 p.m.
--Afternoon program: “Impact Cases Affecting District Court,” 2-2:50 or 3:10-4 p.m.

WHO:

The Maryland Judiciary

WHEN:

Friday, May 11, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WHERE:

Judicial Education and Conference Center, 2011-D Commerce Park Drive, Annapolis, Md., 21401NOTE: Parking is not available on site. Call the Office of Communications and Public Affairs at (410) 260-1488 for information about parking and shuttle service.

MEDIA CONTACT:

For more information, an agenda of open sessions, or to arrange to attend, please contact the Office of Communications and Public Affairs at (410) 260-1488.